Mexico stormed into the World Cup last 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador at a charged Azteca Stadium, setting up the prospect of a blockbuster knockout clash with England.

A violent thunderstorm over Mexico City forced kick-off to be delayed, but once the weather relented the hosts unleashed a different kind of tempest. Javier Aguirre’s side tore into Ecuador from the first whistle, their high press and rapid interchanges pinning the South Americans deep inside their own half.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. Julian Quinones, a constant menace down the left, raced onto a diagonal pass, cut inside onto his right foot and whipped an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The stadium erupted, the goal a release of tension after the long wait for play to begin.

Mexico refused to ease off. Their midfield hunted in packs, forcing repeated errors from an increasingly rattled Ecuador back line. Just before the interval, that pressure told again. Quinones pounced on another loose pass, drove into the box and unselfishly squared for Raul Jimenez, who thumped home from close range to double the lead.

With a two-goal cushion, Mexico shifted into controlled dominance after the break. They circulated the ball with composure, slowing the tempo and denying Ecuador any rhythm. Clear chances for the visitors were almost non-existent as the hosts’ defensive structure, marshalled expertly at the back, preserved their flawless record in the tournament.

As the minutes ticked away, Ecuador’s frustration spilled over. Deep into stoppage time, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was shown a straight red card after an altercation with substitute Santiago Gimenez, the dismissal compounding a miserable night for his side.

For Mexico, the win continues a remarkable run: four games, four victories, eight goals scored and none conceded. The Azteca once again lived up to its fearsome reputation, its altitude, heat and unrelenting noise combining to create one of world football’s most intimidating stages.

Now attention turns to a potential meeting with England. Should Gareth Southgate’s team overcome DR Congo, they will walk into a cauldron where Mexico have lost only a handful of competitive matches. With a surging host nation and a historic venue, the prospect of that last-16 showdown already feels like one of the defining fixtures of this World Cup.